Pharmaceutical shipments from India to Iraq primarily utilize both sea and air freight, each offering distinct advantages. Sea freight is commonly employed for bulk shipments, while air freight is preferred for urgent deliveries.
Sea Freight: The journey typically involves transporting goods from major Indian ports such as Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port) to Umm Qasr Port in Iraq. The transit time for sea freight from Nhava Sheva to Umm Qasr is approximately 2 days.
Air Freight: Air shipments depart from international airports in India, including Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Chennai International Airport (MAA), and Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), arriving at Erbil International Airport (EBL) in Iraq.
Route Disruptions: The Red Sea, a critical maritime route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, has experienced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and piracy. Such disruptions can lead to increased transit times and costs for sea freight. Air freight, while generally unaffected by maritime issues, may face delays due to airspace restrictions or security concerns.